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The Judges

Judges are members of the skating fan community who donated a few minutes after selected events to share their thoughts. We all experience skating a little differently: some have skated competitively while others have barely set blades on the ice; several stay up at all hours to watch events 13 hours away while others are more prone to catching up the next day. It doesn’t matter if you know the IJS like the back of your hand or if you’re still scratching your head – do you want to be a judge? Sign up here!

Aiden (@aidenaiena)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Have been a fan since 1994.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Mao Asada 2014 Olympic FS.Events Judged: Rostelecom Cup 2016, European Championships 2017

Alejandro (@Mentalopez)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Akiko Suzuki’s Free Skate in NHK 2012. She should have won!!Events judged: Japanese Nationals 2015-16, Russian Nationals 2015-16

Alexandra E.(@alexandra_ewing)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Though I watched figure skating on occasion for 20 years, access to cable during the 2013 Grand Prix made me a dedicated fan.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Gilles/Poirier’s FD at Worlds 2016. Events Judged: Canadian Nationals 2018

Amanda H. (@BlondeAssassin1)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I’m a lifelong fan who skated as a kid, competing locally and skating in club shows wearing terrible costumes. I was also on a precision skating team (the precursor to synchro) for 3 years that competed at Sectionals twice and Nationals once. Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Satoko Miyahara at 2016 Worlds.Events judged: Skate America 2015, Skate Canada 2015, US Nationals 2016, World Junior Championships 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, Skate Canada 2016, NHK Trophy 2017

Amanda P. (@storyologist_ap) |The StoryologistTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve loved skating all my life, but only laced up my own skates a couple years ago. Now I’m slowly working my way through the skills and watching every competition I can find a stream for!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje’s 2015 free dance at Worlds.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2016, World Championships 2017, Cup of China 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017

Amber C. (@amberchamberlan) |A Skater’s PerspectiveTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I am a figure skater myself. I really love Ashley Wagner. That is about all you need to know about me.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Ashley Wagner’s 2017 World Championships short program.Events judged: Cup of China 2016, Four Continents 2017, Internationaux de France 2017, Olympic Pairs Event 2018

Andrea G.Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Began watching skating and going to rinks for fun in Melbourne in the 1970’s. Rediscovered figure skating in the early 2000’s after moving to Japan, switching the TV on one Saturday afternoon and seeing Johnny Weir. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Takahito Mura’s free program at 2015 Japanese Nationals.Events judged: Japanese Nationals 2017-2018

Ann J.(@annmjensen)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skate a little myself. But I assist some fancy coaches with their schedule. Am also president of a club and often run or assist in running competitions.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? All North American dance in the 80s and 90s.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2017

Arlisse L.(@fanspirals)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I grew up skating, but stopped after I learned how to do cross overs. Once, Mirai Nagasu retweeted my reaction to her triple axel and I actually cried a little bit.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Tatsuki Machida at 2014 Worlds.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2017, Olympic Men’s Event 2018

Banana W.(@quadsal)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I went to GPF 2015 and kind of cried the entire time. Also, a lady from the JSF laughed really, really hard at me once.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Akiko Suzuki’s career??Events judged: Trophee de France 2016, Japanese Nationals 2016-2017, World Team Trophy 2017

Bea (@beanjibae) |You Only Lutz OnceTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was familiar with figure skating as a kid, but I only got more in-depth after watching the Olympics in Sochi. I now co-run You Only Lutz Once with my friend Clara (@jimboppa). I’m more known as that girl waving the large, obnoxious “The CHANpion is Back” banner in 4CC Taipei.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Our #TinyQueen Satoko Miyahara is grossly underscored all the time.Events judged: Skate Canada 2016, Japanese Nationals 2016-2017, Junior Worlds 2017, Cup of China 2017

Becky Y.Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Hardcore fan since Calgary ’88. Meeting Shae-Lynn Bourne on my 15th birthday is still my favorite birthday yet! Had my son during the Sochi games, so of course I named him after my favourite ice dancer (shhhh – don’t tell my husband).What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Scott & Tessa in Sochi.Events judged: Canadian Nationals 2018

Belle-Noelle D.(@madforskating) | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I watched the 2014 Olympics not knowing an axel from a salchow but just got so obsessed with it that I needed to know everything about figure skating.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje’s free dance at 2015 Worlds (and every other event).Events judged: World Team Trophy 2017, Russian Nationals 2017-2018

BraulioWhat’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Belbin and Agosto 2010 FD at Vancouver. Also, the 2012 Meryl and Charlie FD in the World Championships, as well their 2009 Samson & Delilah FD at Los Angeles Worlds. I was there and it was AMAZING! They should have medaled overall. And of course, Johnny Weir’s Free Skate in Vancouver Olympics was probably his best performance, even more than his 2008 Worlds bronze medal (which I also watched live as I attended those championships).Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2015

Bronwyn (@inabauers) | Lutz and GloryTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Your friendly Detroit-area skating fan.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Tatsuki Machida should have won 2014 Worlds.Events judged: Skate Canada 2015, European Championships 2016, World Championships 2016, US Nationals 2017

Bu B.(@bubblebarred)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. One time I watched the men’s free skate at the Sochi Olympics on my TV, and I died.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I was really moved by Mirai Nagasu’s Demons short program at Worlds 2016.Events judged: Cup of China 2017

Camden R. (@camdenrider) | YouTube ChannelTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have skated for the last 11 years! Currently at the intermediate level. One time Ashley and Adam called me their son and that was my peak.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s free skate at 2017 Skate Canada.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2016, Rostelecom Cup 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017

CarlaTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a roller skater and I’ve been an avid fan of figure skating since I saw Yuna Kim at the 2010 Olympics. I attended the 2015-16 Grand Prix Final in Barcelona.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Ashley Wagner and Yuna Kim at the 2014 Olympics.Events judged: European Championships 2017

Caroline D.(@caroline4pres)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Ever since I saw Kristi Yamaguchi on Stars On Ice as a toddler, I’ve been obsessed with figure skating. I became completely invested in it when I decided to write about it for my senior thesis as a History major in college. I am ALL about stunts, drama, theatrics, artistry, etc. I always love the hot messes. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Adam Rippon’s free skate at 2015 Nationals.Events judged: Skate Canada 2017, Russian Nationals 2017-2018

Cassandra (@CKimm1314) | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been skating since I was three, and am working on becoming a fully certified coach. My first live event at SCI 2015 is what got me into this full time. Long time fan of Patrick Chan though! Now I’m obsessed and if I’m not watching figure skating I’m probably at the rink! 🙂What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Probably gonna go with Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir’s free dance in Sochi.Events judged: Canadian Nationals 2017

Clara P. (@jimboppa) |You Only Lutz OnceTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Besides writing for You Only Lutz Once, I also try translating updates on Team Korea. I was one of the two “banner-waving girls caught on TV too many times at the 2016 Four Continents Championships. Jin Seo Kim hugged me at 2016 Asia Open Trophy.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Michael Martinez’s short program at 2017 Nebelhorn Trophy. Events judged: Junior Grand Prix Final 2016, Four Continents 2017, NHK Trophy 2017, Olympic Men’s Event 2018

Craig S. (@timzbaygullls)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I competed Junior Pairs and Men until I was 20. I still show back up to the rink to throw down some triples every once in a while. I love tracking scores and make my own fantasy competitions with my best friends from the skating years!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? The most recently skated program not by one of Eteri’s students.Events judged: US Nationals 2018, Olympic Pairs Event 2018

Dasha (@Dasha_zhri)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Akiko Suzuki and Pechalat/Bourzat in general. Also Mao’s Olympic FS, that skate is everything, I think it even made my cry.Events judged: World Junior Championships 2016

Deb (@Debsplaining)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? This is too hard. There are too many.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, Russian Nationals 2015-16

Di L.(@magicaleggrolls) | So You Want to Watch Figure SkatingTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Sleep-deprived for skating since the 2010 Olympics. I post streaming links and other resources at So You Want to Watch Figure Skating. One time I met Takahiko Kozuka and accidentally touched his armpit.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Akiko Suzuki’s 2012 NHK Trophy FSEvents judged: Japanese Nationals 2015-16, World Junior Championships 2016, Rostelecom Cup 2016, Junior Grand Prix Final 2016

Elisa | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been a roller skater for 15 years (and also competed nationally), but of course I am also into ice skating. I have always watched it, but become obsessed after the Sochi Olympics.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s FS at Worlds 2016 – she was well judged generally, but SO underscored if compared to the other ladies.Events judged: Junior Grand Prix Final 2016, Four Continents 2017

Emily E. (@JoyofEmily)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Life long obsession with the ice. Currently coaching, passing on my love of the Kerrigan Spiral.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Insert any program skated against Kaetlyn Osmond in 2016/17.Events judged: Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, US Nationals 2017, NHK Trophy 2017, Olympic Team Event 2018

Emily W. (@Em_Wilmes)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Last year at Skate America I stalked Jorik Hendrickx until he caved and told me where he was sitting; becoming a full blown stan was worth it for that picture. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Is there anyone more #robbed than Zijun Li? (No.)Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2016, Four Continents 2017, Skate Canada 2017, Olympic Men’s Event 2018

Erica G.(@egaley)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been figure skating for 27 years, and a Canadian Skating Official for the last 6. I still get giddy when I put on my skates and hit clean ice, and being an official has given me a whole new perspective on why we do what we do.Events judged: Skate Canada 2017, Four Continents 2018

Erin C. (@Erinsk8) | On Stage and ScreenTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was a competitive skater for 10 years and also did some coaching. I fell in love with the sport while watching the drama of the 94 Olympics and have never looked back.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Belbin & Agosto at the 2010 Olympics.Events judged: NHK Trophy 2015, US Nationals 2016, , World Championships 2017, Rostelecom Cup 2017

Fannya C. (@LAFANNYA)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been a fan of figure skating since 2012. I became one when I was randomly changing channels and came across Nationals. I thought it was such a beautiful sport and art. Ever since I have watched every season and have tried to attend more competitions.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Karen Chen

Francy S. (@fs_evolution) | Figure Skating EvolutionEvents Photography Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Avid fan since the 2006 Winter Olympics! I try to attend live competitions whenever I can – most of my holidays are skating related 🙂 I find watching practices fun and extremely interesting. Recently getting into skating photography too.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje 2014 Worlds FDEvents judged: Canadian Nationals 2016, World Junior Championships 2016, Grand Prix Final 2016, European Championships 2017

Gabrielle T. (@Gabrielle_1209)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skated for ten years, competing locally. Now, I enjoy watching skating from the stands (or anywhere I can find Wi-Fi)!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Marin Honda Junior Worlds 2017. Events judged: Skate America 2017

Grace W.|TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve never been a skater myself, but I’ve been a fan since 1998 and have attended 3 world championships, most recently in Helsinki in 2017.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Misha Ge’s free skate at the 2017 World Championships.Events judged: NHK 2016, World Team Trophy 2017, US Nationals 2018

Hannah C. (@hannahskates96) | A Skater’s PerspectiveTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been competing for 14 years. I am also a skating coach and hope to make that my career!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Almost anything from Ashley Wagner.Events judged: Four Continents 2016, Trophee de France 2016, US Nationals 2017, Rostelecom Cup 2017, Olympic Team Event 2018

Heidi M. (@heihei_0422)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Casually watched Euros and Worlds as a child, started to follow the sport more actively in late 2011 (why then? no idea) and now I’m at a point where every missed live stream of any A-level competition is A Failure At Life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s free skate at 2016 Worlds.Events judged: Japanese Nationals 2016-2017, European Championships 2017

Ioana (@iguana012) | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. My experiences with figure skating have been staying up or waking up at ridiculous hours, arguing with my laptop, growing gray hair watching my faves, but also enjoying beautiful programs, unforgettable performances and making edits and gifs.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Daisuke Takahashi’s Blues For Klook at the 2012 World Championships.Events judged: World Championships 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Japanese Nationals 2016-2017

Irina G.(@annafly13) Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I am a dedicated fan and photographer and love being part of figure skating events. I never travel without a camera and have thousands of pics from the events.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Yuna Kim at Sochi in 2014.Events judged: Skate America 2017, Russian Nationals 2017-2018

Iris W. | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. First watched figure skating during the 2010 Olympics and loved it! Before last season, I was a more casual fan, but over the past two years I’ve learned a lot after finally taking a deep dive into figure skating!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Gilles/Poirier 2015-16 FD.Events judged: Olympic Team Event 2018

Jared A.(@JaredMAllen) |InstagramTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a lifelong fan of the sport and decided to learn how to skate, purely to have more info to influence my judgements! Now I’m a competitive skater myself and I absolutely love it.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko’s FS in Boston.Events judged: Skate America 2017, Olympic Men’s Event 2018

Jennifer Cl.Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Clumsy adult skater who has followed the sport since 2002, obsessively since Yuzuru’s short in 2014 Olympics.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I think every point above 105 awarded to a Lanotte/Cappellini FD is 0.75 directly subtracted from Gilles/Poirier.Events judged: Russian Nationals 2015-16, World Championships 2016, Russian Nationals 2017-2018

J.j.(@RealDetective) |TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. One time Meryl Davis told me happy birthday and another time a security guard told me he took a picture of me and Zach Donohue but he unknowingly never actually pressed the button and I didn’t want to ask Zach for another picture. It was all very sad. Except for the Meryl part. Which made being old worth it.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Davis/White 2014 US Nationals Free Dance and let me tell you why, you see one judge (specifically Mary Karen Henderson OF THEIR VERY OWN HOME STATE OF MICHIGAN) thought that they were worthy of only +2 GOE on two elements and had the gall, THE GALL, to give them a 9.75 in one (1) PCS category WHICH IS A FULL STEP LESS THAN WHAT IS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE. Sure, these scores are thrown out and Meryl Elizabeth Davis and Chuck White scored the maximum amount of points possible BUT THE PRINCIPLE. The principle. (Don’t @ me.)Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2016, Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Junior Worlds 2017

Joe (@robojojo) |Huffington PostWhat’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I would say I felt Pechalat/Bourzat were underscored in Sochi and deserved third place. Last year at Worlds, I thought Hurtado/Diaz should have ranked at least 2-3 places higher.Events judged: NHK Trophy 2015

Joseph K.(@thebrothaj)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Former skater (Back in the stone age of the early-mid 80’s… I had a FABULOUS quarter turned double lutz!) Skating fan for life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Kostner, 2014 Sochi. Deserved silver.Events judged: Cup of China 2016, US Nationals 2017, NHK Trophy 2017, Four Continents 2018

Judit F.Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was an ISU referee and ISU Technical Delegate until 2003. Since 2003 I have been a commentator for figure skating at Eurosport Hungary.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Virtue and Moire contra Davis and White at the Olympic Games.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, European Championships 2016, Trophee de France 2016, European Championships 2017

Justin (@jsplintermn)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Viktoria Helgesson’s 2012 Europeans LP. In my opinion one of the top ladies programs of the past quad: so musical, TONS of transitions that are musical, great expression, amazing execution. Technically not the strongest ever but this program only scored a 105! Bullshit! PCS are ridiculous.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2015

Justyna Z. (@anedgecall)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a figure skating fan who has never skated and now can skate only forward. Not much else. Figure skating was my family tradition when we watched the competition with my mum and grandma.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? It’s a popular choice, but Mao Asada Olympic FS in 2014.Events judged: Four Continents 2017

Justine K.(@beanyskates) | Princess Beany SkatesTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skated for years and have now coached for just as many. I fell in love with the sport when I saw Alexei Yagudin live at the 2001 World Championships in Vancouver. Since then I’ve been to another 6 World Championships, most recently in Helsinki and started a figure skating (Yuzuru Hanyu) blog.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I still think Scott & Tessa should be two-time Olympic Champions.Events judged: Cup of China 2015, Japanese Nationals 2015-16, Canadian Nationals 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, Trophee de France 2016, Canadian Nationals 2017, Internationaux de France 2017

Kathy (@StylishDreaming) |Lutz and GloryWhat’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? The first program that comes to mind is Weaver/Poje’s FD from 2015 Worlds. It was full of passion and skated effortlessly, but the PCS were still unfairly low compared to what some of the other competitors received. For me, W/P will always be the rightful champions of that event.Events judged: NHK Trophy 2015, European Championships 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies

Kara M. (@NamasteRead)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I took lessons when I was 12-15. Been a superfan since 2014.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I still feel like Mirai Nagasu is underscored almost every time she skates.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2016, Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Cup of China 2017, Four Continents 2018

Keiko A.(@glitterhapsody)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Learned how to skate when I was younger. Casual fan during the broadcasts on ESPN and during the 2010 Olympics; turned into a quasi-uber around Sochi. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Relative to the scores on that day – Mao Asada’s Sochi FS.Events judged: Japanese Nationals 2017-2018, Olympic Team Event 2018

Keira C. (@tripletoes)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I figure skated as a child but stopped at age 10. I fell back in love with the sport when I caught the 2014 US National Championships on TV and have been obsessed since!!What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje’s free dance from 2015 Worlds.Events judged: Four Continents 2016, Throwback: 2002 Olympics Pairs, Cup of China 2016, European Championships 2017, Skate Canada 2017, Olympic Team Event 2018

Kelly C.(@KACkelly)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I first became a figure skating fan during the 1994 Olympics, when I was staunchly #teamnancy. So began my life of rooting for the Ones Who Do Not Win. I was more of a casual viewer until 2014, when I fell back in love with watching the sport.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I can’t choose. Justice for my faves!Events Judged: Four Continents 2018

Laura C.(@LaurillaC)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve watched figure skating all my life and decided following it more seriously at the age of 12, although I’ve never taken lessons. What I know about technique is all thanks to my friends and internet.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Rika Hongo – Riverdance.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

Laurel M.(@ThisIsLaurelM)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I fell in love with ice dance first, watching Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir on TV during the Vancouver Olympics. Now I follow everything, including juniors, but ice dance remains my favourite discipline.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Maybe Virtue/Moir’s SD in Sochi.Events judged: Skate Canada 2017, Canadian Nationals 2018

Lauren B. (@lbee329)Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Can I possibly do past six years because by a mile for me is Meryl and Charlie’s Samson and Delilah 2009 Worlds. It should have won the free dance. They should have medaled. I watched it every so often and every time I am still mad.Events judged: Skate Canada 2015, US Nationals 2016, US Nationals 2017

Lauren R.(@Lauren__145)Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: I have figure skated for 6 years, and became obsessed with watching skating when I saw Mao Asada’s free from Sochi on YouTube.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Mirai Nagasu anything.Events judged: Canadian Nationals 2018

Linda K. (@lindalmk)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been following skating as a fan since I was very young. My list of events I’ve attended includes 6 US Nationals and 2 Worlds. Sheepishly, I admit I’m still working on telling the jumps apart. Ice dance is my favorite discipline.Events judged: Internationaux de France 2017

Madi L.(@not_lipton) | TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I am an avid figure skater and figure skating fan. Sometimes I spend way too much money traveling to watch competitions but make up for it by teaching learn to skate with my home club.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Tessa and Scott’s Sochi short dance.Events judged: Skate America 2017, Olympic Pairs Event 2018

Maddie L. (@MaddieLarson19)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been a fan of figure skating since the 2006 Olympics, but I myself have absolutely no athletic ability. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Yuna Kim’s 2014 Olympic Short Program.Events judged: Internationaux de France 2017

Mandy S. (@__heck)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’d been a very casual fan since I was a kid, but I turned on the 2014 Olympics while I worked at home during a snowstorm and immediately developed A Problem. Since then, I’ve gone to almost every show in driving distance, lost countless hours of sleep watching overseas comps, attended Worlds (!), and made so many amazing friends.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Jeremy Abbott’s SP at 2015 Nationals.Events judged: Cup of China 2016, Junior Grand Prix Final 2016

Mara B. (@missmaraskate)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I’ve never been to a major event, but I did start taking lessons in June, and can now do a toe loop!Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: I do wish Weaver and Poje had scored .03 more in their FD at 2014 Worlds.Events judged: Skate America 2016, Junior Worlds 2017, Grand Prix 2017

Mara H. (@MaraAlyseGH) |The Judges’ TableTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. Tara Lipinski 1997, and I’m not even sorry. I run this website and I’ve somehow only judged two events.Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Ashley Wagner’s FS, US Nationals 2017Events judged: Skate America 2015, Olympic Team Event 2018

Margaret D. (@elysiondream)|TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. Like a lot of people, I became a figure skating fan during the whole Nancy/Tanya saga. I fell in love with the combination of art and athleticism and knew I would be a lifelong fan.Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Mao Asada’s free at Sochi.Events judged: Throwback: 2002 Olympics Pairs, Skate America 2016, World Championships 2017, Skate America 2017

Meghan B. (@meghanbartels)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I can’t tell loops from axels but I have strong feelings about costumes.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2017, Olympic Pairs Event 2018

Meghan C.(@meghancard)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Fell in love with the ice at age 4, now that I’m at college I live for livestreams and anywhere else I can get my skating info fix!Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Carolina Kostner’s Olympic BoleroEvents judged: Canadian Nationals 2018

Mark L. (@TheRealEmLeezy) |InstagramFavorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Mao Asada Sochi Olympics LP – as if it could be anything else!Events judged: Cup of China 2015, Four Continents 2016, World Championships 2016

Matthew R. (@mrusskie93)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was never a skater, but I started following the sport when I attended 2006 US Nationals in St. Louis. The experience of watching figure skating in person hooked me for life.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara throughout 2016 Worlds.Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 1994 Olympics Ladies, Russian Nationals 2015-2016, European Championships 2018

Meghan D. (@DadeMeghan) |Figuratively SpeakingTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. A figure skating fan since wearing a Michelle Kwan replica necklace to elementary school. The highlight of my fandom is being in the building for Ashley Wagner’s world silver medal performance in Boston. What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara at the 2016 World Championships.Events judged: US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Throwback: 2002 Olympics Pairs, Cup of China 2016, World Team Trophy 2017, Grand Prix Final 2017

MJ C. (@arabesquing)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I can swizzle and stroke around a rink! That’s about the best I can do as a skater. 😛 I’ve been watching skating since the Sochi Olympics and had the great privilege to attend 2016 Worlds in Boston in person! (And got drunk in the hotel bar while surrounded by skaters, but that’s another story.)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Tatsuki Machida’s 2014 Worlds short program should have broken 100.Events judged: Four Continents 2016, Skate America 2016, Japanese Nationals 2016-2017

Nori (@NakedIceBlog) |Naked IceTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Long time fan, runner of the Naked Ice Blog…and I can stroke around pretty well on ice skates…I can even skate backward (very slowly).What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? It used to be Christina Gao at the 2013 Nationals but I think I’m going with Mao Asada’s Sochi FS.Events judged: Four Continents 2016, Russian Nationals 2016-2017

Patrick D. (@Team_PDD) |Patrick Commentates SkatingTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I lead figure skating prayer circles on twitter, make silly commentary videos, and spend way too much time tweeting about skating. Yay?Favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years: Mirai Nagasu’s SP at 2015 NHK Trophy.Events judged: Skate America 2015, US Nationals 2016, Skate Canada 2016, Junior Grand Prix Final 2016, Rostelecom Cup 2017

Phillip E.(@Sk8fanPhil)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. When I grew up there were no rinks around, so my skating experience was on roller skates, on which I could do all kinds of amazing tricks. My ice skating has been limited to ponds as a youth, and a few lessons as an adult.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Guignard/Fabbri at 2016 Europeans in the FD behind a bunch of stale and uninspiring Russian pairs teamsEvents judged: NHK Trophy 2015, US Nationals 2016, Trophee de France 2016

Pinar G. (@pinar_gurel)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been skating since age 7, coached a little in high school and college, competed for Dartmouth College at the Intercollegiate level, and was a part of the 2012 Intercollegiate National Championship team. I am now competing in the adult circuit, 2016 pewter medalist at adult nationals championship master junior/senior level.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Marin Honda’s free program at 2017 Skate CanadaEvents judged: US Nationals 2018

Punk S.(@PunkSalchow)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was raised exclusively on Michelle Kwan spirals.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Wakaba Higuchi 2017 Worlds.Events Judged: Four Continents 2018

Rafael (@HRHtheDentist)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Been skating since I was 3, following competitions closely since 2009, etc.Events judged: Skate Canada 2015, US Nationals 2016, Skate America 2017, Olympic Pairs Event 2018

Roshni B. (@RoshniBhudia)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I watched the last group of men at 2014 US Nats and was instantly hooked. I then watched the Olympics, Junior Worlds, and Worlds and finally found a sport I enjoyed watching.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje’s 2015 Worlds FD and Satoko Miyahara’s SP and FS at 2016 Worlds.Events Judged: World Team Trophy 2017, Grand Prix Final 2017

Rylie S. (@rsmittay)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have wanted to become a figure skater ever since I was little, when I first stepped foot on the ice at three years old. I enjoy following the figure skating season, and I have attended Stars on Ice. I will be attending Skate America in November. I have also won Summer With Team USA two years in a row.Events judged: US Nationals 2018

Ryan S.(@SkateGuardBlog) |SkateGuardTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. Figure skating history blogger; former competitive skater; certified judge with CFSA (Skate Canada) under 6.0 system.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Zhiganshina and Gazsi’s zombie free danceEvents judged: Skate America 2016

Sam Ha. (@samantharrin)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I skated for 10 years growing up, and I’ve been watching skating as long as I can remember. I’m more likely to get emotional about a good quad loop than pretty choreo. But that place where really athletic meets really artistic is sublime.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Mao Asada’s long at Vancouver 2010 comes to mind.Events judged: US Nationals 2018

Sam He.(@quadlutze)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I was just the kid who was obsessed with Michelle Kwan but had no idea what was going on. Dropped the four year fan act in 2010 and never looked back.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Satoko Miyahara’s entire career.Events judged: Junior Grand Prix Final 2017, US Nationals 2018

Sam S. (@szabothebaby)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’ve been a fan of figure skating since ’97 and I still wonder if my life would be different if Michelle had won in Salt Lake.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Mirai’s Short at ’16 Worlds.Events judged: Skate Canada 2016, World Championships 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017

Sara J.(@getmerescued)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I went to 2015 Nationals in Greensboro and 2016 Worlds in Boston and cried the entire time. I’ve watched skating since 1996 – which means I’m super old. I saw like a thirteen year old Nathan Chen and who knew that I was in the presence of royalty? (I totally did!!!)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I rewatched some of the 2014 Olympics free skates again recently and the fact that Yuna Kim did not win still irritates me!!Events judged: NHK Trophy 2017, Olympic Men’s Event 2018

Sarah R.(@pas_dechat) | Sarah Explains The Finer SportsTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I started skating when I was five and continued with freestyle into my early teens. Now I’m an avid armchair quarterback with a blog.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? The Shibutanis at 2015 Worlds, maybe? I usually get angrier about overscoring.Events judged: Skate Canada 2016, Junior Grand Prix Final 2016

Sean Z. (@enderstar)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I have been a figure skating fan for over 10 years and also a part-time sports writer specializing in figure skating from China. Though not a skater myself, I am very interested in the technical side of the sport. I have also covered several ISU events including GP China, GPF and FCC. Ice dance is my favorite category and probably the most fabulous thing on this planet.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Yuna Kim’s free skate at Sochi. Though given over 140 points, in my opinion, this routine is the Mount Everest of ladies’ single skating in terms of artistry, choreography, transitions, interpretation and the overall concept. Its hidden difficulty is unbelievable. So its PCS given at Sochi should have been so much higher, especially comparing to the PCS some other skaters received that night.Events judged: Skate Canada 2016, World Championships 2017

Senna W.(@pogosplat)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. A life-long fan who really became interested in the intricacies of skating post-IJS. I did not skate as a child and my only experience with figure skating is as a spectator.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Angelina Kuchvalska, 2016 Europeans.Events judged: European Championships 2018

Sharon (@RosaCotton) |TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan.I became a year-round figure skating fan when my roommate and I watched Skate America, and I fell head-over-heels for Davis/White’s Die Fledermaus. Ice dance remains my favorite discipline (men a close second). Having followed the ShibSibs for five years, I was so thrilled for them winning silver at Worlds with two fantastic programs. So excited to see what will happen in ice dance this season!Events judged: Canadian Nationals 2016, European Championships 2016, Canadian Nationals 2017, Japanese Nationals 2017-2018

Sigrid (@Mirrorhands)What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? I always felt the Kerrs were underscored during their whole career. Their programs on the 2010 Olympics were original, fresh but they got harsh marks from the judges.Events judged: Skate Canada 2015, Rostelecom Cup 2015, European Championships 2016, Trophee de France 2016

Spiccine (@Spiccine)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I fell in love with figure skating watching Plushenko’s Euros 2005 FP on TV. After a few years I decided I absolutely had to learn to skate and now I’m teaching to kids. My fav skaters are Yuzuru and Shoma.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Misha Ge’s programs in general, he deserves higher scores in Interpretation of the music and composition. Also Takahashi’s 2012 Worlds FP, but there are so many, especially regarding PCs!Events judged: Skate America 2016, Japanese Nationals 2016-2017

Stephanie H. (@perfectlonely)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan, if any. I grew up in the era of the Kween, but wasn’t more than a casual watcher. It’s only since 2016 Worlds that I really started following it.Events judged: Cup of China 2017, European Championships 2018

Taryn (@tleeh)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Started skating at age 3; quit at 10 when I had to get up at 5 am! I’ve watched everything I can on TV.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Weaver/Poje at Worlds 2016.Events judged: Canadian Nationals 2016, Canadian Nationals 2017, Canadian Nationals 2018

Tiffany (@TiffLangston)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Stanning for skating since 1994! What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Any time Satoko Miyahara skated in the 2014-2015 season.Events judged: Skate America 2015, US Nationals 2016, Team Challenge Cup 2016, Rostelecom Cup 2016, World Championships 2017, Internationaux de France 2017, Four Continents 2018

TJ C. (@Tsk8c)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I’m a national competitor in ice dancing who watches tons of skating in his free time. That’s a pretty good explanation of me as a person.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Jason Brown’s Skate America 2016 Free Skate.Events judged: Russian Nationals 2016-2017, Junior Worlds 2017, Junior Grand Prix Final 2017, European Championships 2018

Victor (@VictorShi12)Tell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. I am a three-time Sectionals competitor.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Kim Yuna at the 2014 Olympics.Events judged: Rostelecom Cup 2015, Russian Nationals 2015-16, Grand Prix Final 2016, Four Continents 2017

Will (@sassmasterwill) |Lutz and GloryWhat’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Any time Alex Johnson and Liam Firus have skated, they’ve been underscored, so, there you have it! Also, I am a STAUNCH fan of Alissa Czisny, and I believe her 2011 Worlds Free was horrendously under-marked.Events judged: NHK Trophy 2015

Ximena |YouTube|TumblrTell us a little about your experiences with figure skating or as a fan. Managed a ticket to FaOI this summer, that’s the closest I’ve ever been to live figure skating.What’s your favorite grossly underscored skate of the last five years? Wakaba’s SP at COR this year!Events judged: Grand Prix Final 2015, Grand Prix Final 2016